Course Description

This course will provide an inquiry based examination of current microbiology related topics. Topics will be selected by what is considered “newsworthy” and will include hospital acquired and community acquired infections, antibiotic resistance, immunizations, food safety and drinking water. Emphasis will be placed on the ramifications of issues with respect to industry, medicine, and personal health. A review of literature will provide background information for the topics in order to provide teachers sufficient and correct information to hold discussions regarding these topics in their classrooms.

Meeting Place and Times

Teachers log into the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend 9 - 12 hours each week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit graduate course.

Instructor(s)

Elinor Pulcini, PhD. Department of Microbiology, Montana State University

Prerequisites

The course prerequisites are a minimum of 2 years successful science teaching experience, enrolled in MSSE degree, or by instructor approval. Participants must hold a bachelors degree in science, science education or a related area. Participants should have taken at least one college level course in either biology or microbiology that provide a basic understanding of general concepts as they relate to biofilms. They should also have taken MB 536 Exploring Microbiology which is offered in the MSSE/NTEN program, or an equivalent course.

Target Audience

The course is designed primarily for practicing science teachers enrolled in Montana State University's Master of Science in Science Education program, with at least two years of teaching experience, or by instructor approval.

Time Commitment:

9-12 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$799.50

Program Fee

$105.50

Computer Fee

$10.50

Distributed Learning Fee

$0.00

Total

$915.50

NSTA Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tuition. Enter your NSTA Membership Number when you are asked for it on the registration form.

A $30 registration fee is also charged once per semester.

The costs above assume that you are taking only MSU Extended University courses during the semester that the course is offered. If you also registered for courses through the MSU Registrar, the regular MSU fee structure may apply.

A $40 late fee will be assessed if payment is not posted to your account by 3 pm (Mountain Time) of the course start date (or the business day before if the course starts on a weekend or a holiday).

Required Books/Materials

This course is designed to provide an understanding of current microbiology related topics. Current literature including research and review articles will provide the material for the course. In addition, students will be directed to a number of websites, such as the American Society of Microbiology and Centers for Disease Control.

All materials are supplied in the course or as ejournals through MSU Library Proxy access.